The journey trough Darien Gap
Israel Fuguemann
Journalist & Photographer
based in Colombia
In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period of the previous year. According to the Panamanian Ministry of Public Security, if the trend continues, in 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people.
These migrants who make the journey will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle that divides Colombia and Panama. Despite this, every day hundreds of people enter the so-called “Darién Gap” that simultaneously divides a continent, two oceans, a couple of nations and the dreams and aspirations of hundreds of thousands of people. from different parts of the planet in their search to achieve the American dream.
The objective is to show from an intimate perspective the physical vulnerability and emotional fragility that they face during much of their journey, where they are exposed to a series of dangers and challenges through jungles, rivers and mountains, placing emphasis on the people and the importance of their relationships to continue moving forward despite adversity. According to the IOM, the largest record of people in transit in the Western Hemisphere in all history. These stories are a living testimony of how migrants continue to put their lives at risk with the desire to “find a better life.”
A family of Venezuelan migrants crosses the Gulf of Urabá aboard a boat, this is the step that precedes their trip through the Darien Gap. Chocó, Colombia, May 15, 2023.In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just one year ago. According to the Panamanian Ministry of Public Security, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle that divides Colombia and Panama. Despite this, every day hundreds of people enter the so-called "Darién Gap", a thick inhospitable jungle strip that simultaneously divides a continent, two oceans, a couple of nations and the dreams and aspirations of hundreds of thousands of people. from different parts of the planet in their quest to achieve the American dream. Selva Darién Colombia
A group of migrants is about to disembark at one of the docks in the town of Acandí, from this point they begin their journey through the "Darien Gap." In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. Despite this, every day hundreds of people enter the so-called “Darién Gap”, a thick and inhospitable strip of jungle that simultaneously divides a continent, two oceans, a couple of nations and the dreams and aspirations of hundreds of thousands of people. from different parts of the planet in their quest to achieve the American dream. May 16, 2023, Chocó, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
A man waits for the transport that will take him to the camp known as Las Tecas, from there he will begin his journey across the Darien. Acandí, Colombia, May 16, 2023.
The migrants are transported on motorcycles to the jungle camps. The motorcyclists are local residents who have found themselves with the arrival of the migrants. new forms of employment. Darien, Colombia, May 16, 2023. Acandí, Colombia, May 15, 2023. Selva Darién Colombia
Migrant families rest in the Las Tecas camp before beginning the journey through the “Darién Gap. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 19, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Different groups prepare at dawn at the Las Tecas camp to begin their trek through the Darien jungle. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Antioquia, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Portrait of a little girl traveling with her family through the Darien Gap. Darien, Colombia, May 18, 2023. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just one year ago. According to the Panamanian Ministry of Public Security, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle that divides Colombia and Panama. Despite this, every day hundreds of people enter the so-called "Darién Gap", a thick inhospitable jungle strip that simultaneously divides a continent, two oceans, a couple of nations and the dreams and aspirations of hundreds of thousands of people. from different parts of the planet in their quest to achieve the American dream. Selva Darién Colombia
A large number of migrants wait at dawn for the doors of the Las Tecas camp to open. With this they will begin the journey through the Darien Gap. Chocó, Colombia, May 18, 2023.
A group of people say a collective prayer at the Las Tecas camp before they start their trek through the Darien jungle. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Antioquia, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Selva Darién Colombia
A father carries his young son in his arms as they walk through the Colombian Darien jungle. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Antioquia, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Dozens of people perform a collective prayer before beginning their journey through the Darien Gap. Chocó, Colombia, May 15, 2023.
Panoramic view of the Darien Jungle. The journey that migrants must take is approximately 130 km before finding the first towns in Panama. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Antioquia, Colombia.Panoramic view of the Darien Jungle. The journey that migrants must take is approximately 130 km before finding the first towns in Panama. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Chocó, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
A man of Haitian origin, poses for a portrait. in her arms she carries her little son. Both are crossing the Darien Gap. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 19, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Dozens of migrants of different nationalities walk through the Colombian Darien Jungle. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Antioquia, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
A family of Chinese origin crosses one of the Pinololo rivers during their journey through the Darién jungle. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Chocó, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
A group of people cross the Pinololo River while walking through the Colombian Darien jungle. Within that group, Alejandra carries little Zair, her little son, in her arms. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Chocó, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Alejandra blows a little air on her little son Zair to try to relieve him of the sweltering heat of the jungle. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just one year ago. According to the Panamanian Ministry of Public Security, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle that divides Colombia and Panama. Despite this, every day hundreds of people enter the so-called "Darién Gap", a thick inhospitable jungle strip that simultaneously divides a continent, two oceans, a couple of nations and the dreams and aspirations of hundreds of thousands of people. from different parts of the planet in their quest to achieve the American dream. Selva Darién Colombia
Fernando, a Venezuelan migrant, leans on a rock as he takes a breath and asks God to give him strength to continue his journey through the Darién. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Chocó, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
A group of people rest in the middle of the Darien jungle. These migrants walk for days to cross around 130 kilometers of distance. Darien Gap. Chocó, Colombia, May 19, 2023.
As they descend a hill, Alejandra and her little son Zair are helped by another migrant. Landslides and difficult terrain are encountered all along the path of the Darien Gap. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
A group of migrants take a short break after walking for several hours through the Darién Jungle route. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
A woman carries her little son on her back. they travel through the Darien jungle with the intention of reaching the United States of America. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Alejandra, Horacio and their little son Zair, barely one year old, are crossing the Darien jungle, one of the most dangerous borders for migrants in the world. They are a family originally from Venezuela that with a lot of effort but also with a lot of faith, they remain united to cross the border and continue on their way to the United States in search of a better quality of life. Alejandra, Horacio and their little son Zair, barely one year old, are crossing the Darien jungle, one of the most dangerous borders for migrants in the world. They are a family originally from Venezuela that with a lot of effort but also with a lot of faith, they remain united to cross the border and continue on their way to the United States in search of a better quality of life. Alejandra, Horacio and their little son Zair, barely one year old, are crossing the Darien jungle, one of the most dangerous borders for migrants in the world. They are a family originally from Venezuela that with a lot of effort but also with a lot of faith, they remain united to cross the border and continue on their way to the United States in search of a better quality of life. Selva Darién Colombia
Different families traveling on the bed of one of the rivers of the Tapon del Darien. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Manuel walks under the storm and on the rocks of the Darien jungle. Without a leg, the route already becomes much more complicated for a person in his conditions. He is a Venezuelan migrant who left Venezuela with his family a month ago. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 19, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Manuel walks under the storm and on the rocks of the Darien jungle. Without a leg, the route already becomes much more complicated for a person in his conditions. He is a Venezuelan migrant who left Venezuela with his family a month ago. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 19, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Manuel poses for a portrait on the bed of the Pinlolo river. Under heavy rain and walking with the help of his crutches, Manuel is on his first day of the journey. What awaits him later is a tough test of physical and mental endurance. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
While it rains Manuel takes a break on a rock. Without a leg, the route becomes much more complicated for a person in his condition. Without any kind of help along the way, Manuel must face more than 130 kilometers of jungle. Antonio is a Venezuelan migrant who left Venezuela with his family a month ago. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 19, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Horacio carries his little son Zamir in his arms while they cross the Darien Gap. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
A couple of children of Chinese origin rest on the border between Panama and Colombia. your family is migrating to the United States of America. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
After a long eight-hour walk, a group of migrants rests in one of the few refuges in the Colombian Darién. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Jonathan falls to the ground totally tired and with colambres at the border of Colombia and Panama. After more than ten hours of walking, the legs need to rest, but the path is still long. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
A family of Venezuelan migrants rests on top of a hill in the Darien jungle. On a dump created by the thousands of migrants who pass through this point every day, some families decide to gather strength to continue their journey the next day. In the first months of 2023, just over 80,000 migrants crossed the Darién jungle, a figure 5 times higher than that registered in the same period just a year ago. According to the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, if the trend continues, by 2023 the number of migrants seeking to reach the north of the American continent could reach the historic figure of 400,000 people who will expose their lives to the dangers of crossing this inhospitable jungle. . that divides Colombia and Panama. May 18, 2023, Darien, Colombia. Selva Darién Colombia
Public Project
The journey trough Darien Gap
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